Yamagata City to commence cultural and sports exchanges with Samoa

Samoa’s Ambassador to Japan, Her Excellency Faalavaau Perina Jacqueline Sila-Tualaulelei and Mayor of Yamagata Takahiro Sato after singing the Memorandum of Understanding

Source: Press Secretariat

APIA, SAMOA – MONDAY 22 JANUARY 2018: Samoa’s preparation to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games in Japan took a major leap this week with the endorsement of an agreement between Government of Samoa and the City of Yamagata in Japan.

Signed by Samoa’s Ambassador to Japan, Her Excellency Faalavaau Perina Jacqueline Sila-Tualaulelei and Mayor of Yamagata Takahiro Sato, the Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU) to this effect gives Yamagata City the rights to be the Host Town for Samoa and the Samoa Olympic delegations during their pre-camp training period before the Tokyo 2020 Games.

The MOU also marks the formal commencement of cultural and sports exchanges between Samoa and Yamagata.

Said Faalavaau “This MOU provides the framework for a deeper relationship between Samoa and Yamagata City including through hosting Samoa’s Olympic delegations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and, cultural and sports exchanges between Samoa and Yamagata.

“It forms part and parcel of our Government’s efforts to foster closer bilateral relations between Samoa and Japan.

“We are very grateful to the generosity and hospitality of the Mayor, the Council and the people of Yamagata City in this regard.”

Under this MOU, Yamagata City will provide for all domestic arrangements, accommodation, transport and use of the necessary training facilities for the duration of the delegations’ stay in Yamagata.

Ambassador Faalavaau has been a strong advocate of Samoa and Japan promoting greater understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures also at the local level.

The MOU will also help pave the way for School visits, college rugby team exchanges, visits by cultural performers and more, between Samoa and Yamagata City.

Her Excellency said, ““To God be all the glory for He has done greater and mightier things. We hope that through these programs there will be an increase in appreciation of each other’s cultures and an understanding of the opportunities available especially for our young people.’

The 2nd phase of the MOU will be signed in Apia next week with the Executive of Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, Yamagata City’s partners for the Olympic Games, during the Mayor’s official visit to Samoa.

His Excellency Sato is schedule to arrive on 28th January with a 5 member delegation.

Under this MOU, Iwaki City will provide sponsorship for Manu Samoa during their time in Japan, including all domestic arrangements, accommodation, transport and use of the necessary training facilities.

It is hoped that this new MOU will help pave the way for Ambassador School visits, college rugby team exchanges, visits by cultural performers and more.

Added Faalavaau, “To God be all the glory for He has done greater and mightier things. We hope that through these programs there will be an increase in appreciation of each other’s cultures and an understanding of the opportunities available especially for our young people.”

“We can also learn from Iwaki City’s resilience and recovery efforts from their own recent tragic past, from the Great East earthquake of 2011.”

“Iwaki City is ready. Now the Manu Samoa just needs to qualify,” concludes the Samoa Government diplomat.

The 2nd phase of the MOU will be signed in Apia this week with the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee during the Mayor’s official visit to Samoa.

His Excellency Sato is schedule to arrive on 27th January with a 5 member delegation.